While they had not accepted unequivocally Mr.Beard's assurance that their employer was on a business trip, nevertheless they had no other knowledge concerning their master's whereabouts and therefore did not openly question Beard's assertions.
"Mr.Beard," said Britz, when he had finished questioning the servants, "I shall not arrest you for the present.

But you will hold yourself in readiness to appear at Police Headquarters whenever I may want you." "I shall not leave the city," promised Beard.
"Very well.

Now kindly leave the house," requested Britz.
The secretary left reluctantly, as if unwilling to permit the detectives to be alone with the servants.

But he offered no resistance as Britz escorted him to the door and closed it behind him.

Relieved of Beard's presence, the detective summoned the butler.
"Who visited Mr.Whitmore on the night he disappeared ?" Britz said sharply.
"A lady," answered the butler.
"Who was she ?" "I don't know.